RISE lap siding delivers what no other hard siding can — incidental ground contact capability while maintaining 94% recycled content and handling like natural wood. This isn’t another fiber cement knockoff. The 13’4” length hits 16-inch-on-center studs perfectly, reducing waste where other sidings leave you cutting scraps.
For Montana contractors dealing with sloped lots, freeze-thaw cycles, and clients wanting sustainable materials, RISE changes the conversation. The two-sided water protection (front and back) and resistance to rot, decay, and freeze-thaw damage address real concerns in valleys that see 100+ temperature swings annually.
Ground Contact Changes Everything
RISE is the only hard siding allowing incidental ground contact. Every other engineered siding requires 6-8 inches of clearance. RISE doesn’t.
This matters on Montana’s sloped terrain where maintaining consistent clearance gets complicated. Foundation step-downs, grade transitions, deck connections — all become simpler when the siding won’t rot from occasional soil contact. The two-sided water protection isn’t marketing fluff. Both faces resist moisture penetration, unlike fiber cement’s one-sided factory primer.
The material composition explains the performance: 56% post-consumer carpet fibers, 30% polyester and nylon, 11% surplus fiberglass, bound with formaldehyde-free MDI. Those carpet fibers aren’t absorbing water like wood strands. The polyester doesn’t care about ground moisture. This engineered mix delivers genuine moisture resistance, not just surface treatment.
Installation Reality
Cut and install like natural wood with standard woodworking tools — circular saw, miter saw, router, nail gun. No special blades. No dust masks. No pre-drilling.
The 13’4” length (160 inches) optimized for 16-inch-on-center stud spacing eliminates most cut-offs. Standard 12-foot siding leaves 4-foot waste pieces. RISE’s length means fewer butt joints, less waste hauling, and faster installation.
Less jobsite waste and breakage compared to fiber cement translates to real savings. Fiber cement shatters when dropped. RISE bounces. That durability matters when crews are moving material on icy scaffolding or working Montana wind.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3/8” x 8.25” x 13’4” |
| Reveal | 7 inches |
| Recommended overlap | 1.25 inches (1-inch minimum per ESR-4731) |
| Wind load rating | 29 psf (negative transverse load per ASTM E330 at 16” o.c. spacing) |
| Flame spread index | 200 or less (ASTM E84) |
| Total recycled content | 94% |
Installation follows standard lap siding practice. Use 1/8-inch shank diameter x 1/4-inch head diameter roofing nails (stainless steel recommended), maximum 16 inches on-center. Place nails minimum 3/4 inch below the top of the siding with minimum 1-1/2 inches penetration into framing. Lap butt joints minimum 1 inch and stagger them.
The Sustainable Angle Actually Matters
94% recycled content using 56% post-consumer carpet fibers isn’t greenwashing. This is genuine waste diversion — carpet that would hit landfills becomes siding that lasts decades.
Montana contractors increasingly field questions about sustainable materials. RISE provides a real answer backed by ICC-ES Report ESR-4731 and verified 94% recycled content. The formaldehyde-free MDI binder addresses indoor air quality concerns for tight-envelope construction.
Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed backs it with a 30-year warranty. Not pro-rated. Not limited. Full coverage from a company that’s been in building materials since 1665.
The Bottom Line
RISE costs more than vinyl, less than high-end fiber cement. The value shows up in reduced waste, faster installation, and solving real problems like ground contact on sloped lots. Freeze-thaw resistance matters when temperature swings define your climate. The 29 psf wind rating handles chinook gusts and mountain valley winds.
Professional contractors praise its weather resistance and eco-friendly composition. The material works. The length reduces waste. The ground contact capability solves actual field problems. For Montana projects where durability, sustainability, and installation efficiency matter, RISE delivers measurable advantages over traditional options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes RISE siding different from fiber cement or LP SmartSide?
RISE lap siding is the only hard siding that allows incidental ground contact, unlike fiber cement or LP SmartSide which require 6-8 inches of clearance. The siding contains 94% recycled materials (primarily post-consumer carpet fibers) versus fiber cement’s cement-wood mix or LP’s engineered wood strands. RISE also generates less jobsite waste and breakage compared to fiber cement, which can shatter when dropped.
Q: How long is RISE lap siding and why does that matter?
RISE lap siding comes in 13’4” (160 inch) lengths specifically optimized for 16-inch-on-center stud spacing. This length eliminates most cut-offs that you’d get with standard 12-foot siding, reducing waste and requiring fewer butt joints. The longer length means faster installation with less material handling.
Q: Can I cut RISE siding with regular tools?
Yes, RISE siding cuts and installs with standard woodworking tools — circular saw, miter saw, router, and nail gun. No special blades, dust masks, or pre-drilling required like with fiber cement. The material handles like natural wood despite being made from recycled synthetic fibers.
Q: What’s the actual recycled content in RISE siding?
RISE contains 94% total recycled materials: approximately 56% post-consumer carpet fibers, 30% polyester and nylon, and 11% surplus fiberglass, bound with 4% formaldehyde-free MDI binder. This composition provides two-sided water protection and resistance to rot, decay, and freeze-thaw damage.
Q: What kind of warranty does RISE siding carry?
RISE lap siding comes with a 30-year warranty backed by Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed. The warranty covers the 3/8” x 8.25” x 13’4” lap siding with its 7” reveal profile.
Q: What fasteners should I use for RISE siding installation?
Use 1/8-inch shank diameter x 1/4-inch head diameter roofing nails (stainless steel recommended) spaced maximum 16 inches on-center. Place nails minimum 3/4 inch below the top of the siding with at least 1-1/2 inches penetration into framing. Maintain a minimum 1-inch overlap at butt joints and stagger all joints.
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